New policy from the American giant due to global price increases
Apple will increase the price of battery replacements for iPhone models prior to the latest 14. The increase, of around 24 euros, will take effect from 1 March. For the iPhones in question (iPhone X to iPhone 13), the price will go from 69 to 89 dollars in the US. For those with an iPhone SE, iPhone 8 or similar design, the increase will be from 49 to 69 dollars. The replacement cost for the iPhone 14 family was already higher at 99 dollars. It is still being determined whether the listed prices for repair material, i.e. Apple’s Self-Service Repair program, will also increase accordingly.
As a rule, prices for individual parts are in line with the cost that Apple charges for performing a battery replacement. Specifically, the dedicated page on Apple’s support website explains that “the current out-of-warranty battery service fee will apply until the end of February 2023″. Effective 1 March 2023, the out-of-warranty battery service fee will be increased by €24 for all iPhone models prior to iPhone 14”.
Do it by yourself
The American giant has yet to explain why prices have risen. Still, much may depend on the general market trend, according to which hi-tech hardware tends to cost significantly more now than in recent months, partly due to difficulties in the global supply chain. In any case, the new prices are still low enough to justify a battery replacement instead of a completely new phone.
There is no doubt, however, that the increase will bring more revenue into Cupertino’s coffers, also in view of the fact that, especially for older models, the battery is the only element worth replacing in order to continue using one’s iPhone, notwithstanding the impossibility of upgrading the phone when it leaves the lists of those supported by iOS updates. In early December 2022, Apple launched DIY repairs in Europe, providing parts, manuals and tools for iPhones and MacBooks. With the announcement, the multinational company led by Tim Cook released guides in various languages for disassembling and repairing iPhones and Macs. As of November 2022, it is no longer necessary to replace the entire iPhone 14: since then, Apple Stores and Authorised Repair Centres can repair individual components.
